The Sheldonian Theatre Conservation Plan - Central Administration ...

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Wren’s original roof was however rebuilt by George Saunders, architect to Oxford University, in 1801-2, with the existing cupola being redesigned by Edward Blore in 1838. More recently, in 2007, the slated roofs (covered with green Westmoreland slates) were overhauled, in advance of the reinstatement of the ceiling paintings, following their conservation and repair off site. The restored paintings were back in place by November 2008. Various parts of the external elevations have been refaced over the years with repairs being known to have been carried out in 1826, 1838, and 1911. During the 1958-63 restoration projects, undertaken in three phases under the supervision of W. Godfrey Allen, further extensive repairs were carried out to the stonework, including the complete refacing of all elevations and the rebuilding of the parapet and balustrading at roof level. Wren’s original windows were first replaced with “Georgian” timber sash windows in 1767-68 but during the major restoration works in 1958-3 new (current) oak windows were installed; the new windows being similar (but not identical) in design to Wren’s original. Internally, in 1935-37, the timber structure supporting the galleries around the Auditorium was found to be in poor condition and a steel frame was inserted to provide suitable support. To facilitate this work the balcony fronts were temporarily dismantled and the timber panelling and seating were removed and subsequently reinstated following installation of the new steel “skeleton” structure. The plastered vaults over the Ladies’ Gallery were also stripped out and subsequently replastered. Further improvements were also carried out at that time, including the introduction of electrical power and electric lighting. In 1962-63, as part of the final phase of the major three-phase restoration project, the original timber floor of the auditorium was replaced with a new reinforced concrete “coffered” floor. In 2009, the discovery of boarding containing asbestos required numerous internal window boards to be removed and replaced, although the affected boards were not original: having been replaced previously during the restoration work by W. Godfrey Allen in 1961-63. The existing brass and crystal glass fittings were installed in 1961-63, replacing the only previous lighting installation (dating from 1935-37), when electricity was first introduced into the building. The chandeliers, wall-mounted scones, candelabras, and pendant fittings would appear to have been a compromise solution and did not provide a satisfactory level or quality of illumination for performers using the theatre. These were replaced with subtle recessed lighting and improved spot-lighting in 2010. Sheldonian Theatre, Conservation Plan, May 2012 10
A new paint scheme was also completed in 2010; this replaced the last decorative scheme (completed in the early 1960s) with one more akin to the understated refinement of Wren’s original design. This included removing much of the fauxmarbling that had come to dominate the interior, and reintroducing: grey wainscot panelling; a ‘Cedar’ finish to the seating; dark red ‘Rouge de Rance’ marbling to the columns (blending with one another and the background to create the illusion of a ‘floating’ upper gallery, unsupported from below); and a ‘Stone’ colour to the Lower Gallery fronts and Upper Gallery balcony fronts. Sheldonian Theatre, Conservation Plan, May 2012 11
Page 1 and 2: The Sheldonian Theatre Conservation
Page 3 and 4: THE SHELDONIAN THEATRE, OXFORD CONS
Page 5 and 6: 1 INTRODUCTION The Sheldonian Theat
Page 7 and 8: 1.4 Methodology The Conservation Pl
Page 9: 2 UNDERSTANDING THE SITE 2.1 Histor
Page 13 and 14: 3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SHELDONIAN TH
Page 15 and 16: 3.3 Historical Significance The lon
Page 17 and 18: fittings that hung within the theat
Page 19 and 20: 4 VULNERABILITIES 4.1 The ability o
Page 21 and 22: 5 CONSERVATION POLICY Having establ
Page 23 and 24: 5.4.1 The exterior elevations will
Page 25 and 26: 5.8.4 The Conservation Plan will be
Page 27 and 28: 6 BIBLIOGRAPHY 6.1 Government Repor
Page 29 and 30: 7 APPENDICES Appendix 1: Listed Bui
Page 31 and 32: Appendix 2: Conservation Area Descr
Page 33 and 34: Observatory adjacent to University
Page 35 and 36: Appendix 3: Chronology of the Sheld
Page 37 and 38: Appendix 4: CHECKLIST OF SIGNIFICAN
Page 39: THIS PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT BLANK Sheld

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